Minister Ambrose unveils new action plan with concrete steps to address antimicrobial resistance in Canada, releases first ever integrated, national surveillance report and announces funding to support a new study on the economic impacts of antimicrobial resistance.
March 31, 2015 - Ottawa, ON - Public Health Agency of Canada
Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, met with leaders representing human and animal health organizations to discuss the Government of Canada’s plan for combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The roundtable provided an important opportunity for both human and animal health stakeholders to share their priorities and discuss roles and responsibilities in addressing AMR. Preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials and ensuring their optimal use (also known as antimicrobial stewardship) was a key focus of the discussion.
AMR is a global challenge affecting public health, healthcare, animal health, agriculture, environment and industry.
At the roundtable Minister Ambrose made several announcements including:
- The Government of Canada’s new Federal Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use, which builds on the previously released Federal Framework for Action;
- An investment of $250,000 (US) to support a World Bank study of the economic impacts of AMR; and
- The launch of the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (CARSS), a new surveillance approach that will provide an integrated, national picture of antimicrobial use and resistance across Canada.
To read the full Action Plan or view the first CARSS report, visit www.canada.ca/antibiotics.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates some of the important steps the Government of Canada has made in addressing the global health issue of antimicrobial resistance. We are committed to working with partners across Canada and around the world to tackle antimicrobial resistance and ensure the medicines Canadians are using continue to be safe and effective.”
Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
“Canadian farmers and ranchers understand the importance of effective antimicrobials to ensure the high quality care of their livestock. Working together to improve stewardship on the use of antimicrobials will continue to ensure their availability for future generations.”
Honourable Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 957-2983
David Coulombe
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
(613) 941-4563
